7 thoughts at halfway through a minimalist wardrobe challenge

After the initial fear and dread that came with publicly committing to a 33-item wardrobe, I started day one of this challenge with a spring in my step. It felt refreshing to step into my cleaned out closet with just my favorite, carefully selected items hanging there.

Three weeks later, it still feels great walking into my closet, but there have been some ups and downs so far. Here's a quick look back:

The first week was the honeymoon phase. My clothing may have been limited, but the options for creative, comfortable combinations felt plentiful. Doing this challenge so publicly, I felt a bit of pressure to look decent (or at least like my normal self) every day, but that wasn't a problem at all.

In week two, I realized I wasn't really thinking about my wardrobe anymore. The weather was unpredictable, so I naturally varied my outfits between pants, dresses, shorts and layering pieces.

Week three brought my first moments of frustration. I had my first real longing to wear something not in my collection. I worried that I was wearing the same thing all the time. I realized my hot weather clothes don't actually match with each other (silver lining in the fact that this summer hasn't been consistently hot?)

I started this challenge with the hope that it would change my perspective and teach me a few things. Here's what I've learned at halfway through:

1) I'm still a creature of habit. Although I have a few pieces I feel like I've worn 100 times in the past three weeks, it took me until today to wear every single item once. Even with a narrowed-down wardrobe, I tend to stick to my favorites.

2) Out of sight, out of mind. I really haven't thought about the clothes in my packed-away closet. Having them out of sight means I don't wish for specific pieces. The one time I truly longed for something outside my 33 items, it was a scarf. I only have one scarf in my collection, and I had worn it the day before. That brings me to my next item . . .

3) Let it go. My frustrations over the past week have stemmed mostly from the worry that people will see me wearing the same thing I wore the last time I saw them. I need to let that go (more on this tomorrow).

4) Let it go (literally). I think I'm close to proving to myself that I can live without much of my full wardrobe. If I survive the next three weeks I'll be more confident in actually letting go of clothes I rarely wear.

5) Silver and gold. I am so over deciding between 1,429 pairs of earrings every day! Deciding between two pairs – silver and gold – is so much easier (they're my two favorite pairs anyway). I truly haven't missed my vast earring collection, and that surprises me a lot.

6) One outfit. I have had moments of panic when looking into my closet and only seeing a few measly things hanging there. My mantra: I only need one outfit to wear today. That helps put things in perspective.

7) White space rules. On the flip side, it is calming walking into a closet that has two completely empty racks. It's stressful when there are clothes jammed into every available space, especially when you have a toddler who might come in and start tearing clothes off the hangers when you're trying to get ready. Now there is breathing room in my closet and it makes me feel like I'm starting the day with some semblance of organization and control.

Before the end of the challenge I'd like to decide what to do with the rest of my clothes, currently shoved in our guest bedroom closet (sorry to my in-laws who stayed there this weekend!) I do well with numbers and limitations, so maybe I'll set a number that I can move back into my closet, or a number to donate, and go from there. Will keep you posted!

Hi! I'm really enjoying being a spectator on your story. I increasingly feel weighed down my my possessions, and I find this inspiring. I've isolated a few of my personal behaviors that lead to too much stuff: I find that when I have one thing that I really like, I tend to buy more of the same, partly out of fear that I will lose/break/wear out the first item. Yet there is always one favorite that I reach for, so why have three similar items? It's a struggle. :) Thanks!

33 items. That’s it, including shoes, purses, jewelry, clothes, coats. That’s probably less than I would pack in my suitcase for a weeklong vacation. But that’s what I’m limiting my wardrobe to for six weeks, starting June 1, and I invite you to join me.